Hong Kong defender Leon Jones is setting his sights on a historic victory against China, aiming to break a 40-year drought in competitive matches. The last time Hong Kong achieved such a feat was on May 19, 1985, a 2-1 World Cup qualifying win in Beijing that sparked what became known as the "19 May Incident".

Jones, a key player in Hong Kong's defense, is particularly motivated as his contract with Kitchee has expired, and a strong performance in this high-profile game could attract potential suitors. He recognizes the significance of the match for the fans and the intense rivalry between the two sides. "A lot of people feel strongly about the Hong Kong team, and China is a big derby game; a big rivalry," Jones said.

The rivalry between China and Hong Kong in football is deeply rooted, intensified by Hong Kong's status as a Special Administrative Region with distinct political and ideological differences from the mainland, a legacy of British colonial rule until 1997. This adds another layer of meaning to the upcoming match.

Hong Kong's recent form shows promise. On January 1, 2024, Hong Kong secured a 2-1 victory over China in a friendly, marking their first win against their rivals in 39 years. Poon Pui Hin scored both goals for Hong Kong in that match. However, it’s important to note that friendly matches carry a different weight than competitive games.

The "19 May Incident" remains a significant event in the history of the rivalry. Hong Kong's 2-1 victory in Beijing during the 1986 FIFA World Cup qualification not only eliminated China but also triggered a riot among disgruntled home fans, marking what is considered the first instance of football hooliganism in China.

In that match, Cheung Chi Tak's stunning goal put Hong Kong ahead, and Ku Kam Fai secured the win after China had equalized. The intensity of the match and the unexpected result led to a strong reaction from the Chinese supporters.

While Hong Kong and China have faced each other in numerous matches since then, including World Cup qualifiers and EAFF E-1 Football Championship games, Hong Kong has struggled to replicate that success in competitive fixtures. There have been goalless draws and defeats, with China generally dominating possession and chances.

Looking ahead to the upcoming match on July 15, 2025, in the EAFF E-1 Football Championship, Hong Kong will be aiming to draw inspiration from their recent friendly win and the historic victory in 1985. Leon Jones and the rest of the team understand the importance of the game and the desire of the fans to see Hong Kong triumph over China once again. The match presents an opportunity to not only make history but also for players like Jones to showcase their abilities and secure their future in the sport.